Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

While Bonnie is taking a break, we are sharing a few other shows in our network. Today, we're sharing Teach Us to Pray with Christina Patterson. You can find all of our episodes of Teach Us to Pray right here: https://www.lifeaudio.com/teach-us-to-pray/episodes--------1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭instructs believers to pray without ceasing, but have you ever wondered if this type of continual prayer was possible and if so, how to do it? In today’s episode, Christina explains what it means to pray without ceasing and three important ways you can start this life-changing type of prayer today. Resources Mentioned in This Podcast:Download Christina's Free 5 Day Prayer Guide to help you put into practice the powerful habit of prayer: https://www.subscribepage.com/prayerguideConnect with Christina Paterson: https://www.belovedwomen.orgStudy the Bible with Christina and Beloved Women at https://www.belovedwomen.org/joinScriptures in the Podcast are from ESV, NLT, NIV. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Christian Parent, Crazy World helps you raise godly kids in an ungodly world. Each episode addresses a critical question for parents of Christian children. You can find all of our episodes at: https://www.lifeaudio.com/christian-parent-crazy-world/episodes*****LifeWay Research survey: Two-thirds of teens say they stopped going to church for at least a year between 18-22.Mama Bear Apologetics, by Hillary Morgan Ferrer, “Most studies indicate between 45%-48% of youth leave the church after their freshman year in college.You Lost Me by David Kinnaman found that after age 15, almost 60% of young Christians disconnect from their church.Assemblies of God Study found possibly over two-thirds of young people will step away from the Christian faith while attending a non-Christian university. Between 50% and 66.7% of AoG teens who attend a non-Christian university will have left the faith ?four years after entering college.Southern Baptist Convention Data: SBC indicates 70-88% of their youth leave after their freshman year in college. 70% of teens involved in church youth groups stop attending church within two years of their high school graduation.WHY ARE THEY LEAVING?“Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is why.” By Holly Meyer, USA Today“The Tops Reasons Young People Drop Out of Church,” by Griffen Paul Jackson, Christianity TodayWhy Christian Kids Leave the Faith by Tom BissetWHAT EXACTLY DO TODAY’S TEENS BELIEVE THAT MAKE IT SO EASY FOR THEM TO LEAVE THE FAITH?“Most studies indicate between 45%-48% of youth leave the church after their freshman year in college and never return (Mama Bear Apologetics, p. 29)***Follow Catherine:https://catherinesegars.com/https://www.instagram.com/catherinesegars/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week leading into Easter, Bonnie guides you to move into newness. Learn how your mind and emotions falls into old patterns and how to create new paths and grow. Create new pathways and rewrite your story with improved emotional wellness and health. Bonnie shows us how you can step over doubt to rest into God’s timing to set your heart free to pursue the new changes God puts on your heart.Learn about the power of “anticipatory joy” and understand the challenges to newness and how rest helps you take action to step out to create space for new ways to nurture your mental health, instead of busy. Week #6 of the Stress Less Lent Series.***Lent Focus: Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane facing his anguish. “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him… They said to one another, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was speaking to us on the road?’” - Luke 24:29-32 Scripture: “Behold, I am making all things new… in you.” Revelations 21:5Soul Care Tip: Make weekend plans that bring you peace and fun. Research shows that simply making plans revitalizes you with what psychologists call anticipatory joy. ***Links + Resources from This Episode:Download the FREE Stress Less Lent Devotional with the Breathe Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

(This is Week #5 of Soul Care Lent Retreat!) Bonnie guides you to use your faith to take better care of yourself when you walk through the valley of emotional exhaustion. Feel uplifted and changed discouragement to encouragement. Learn the importance of refilling your inner resources of God when your heart, body hits the empty light of your emotional tank reserves.Bonnie explores ways to make space for more beauty into your everyday life to experience God’s peace and comfort as you go through hard times. Learn the seven benefits of the power of classical music to help your body and emotions heal.Lent Focus: Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane facing his anguish. “My soul is deeply grieved. Jesus fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me’” (Mark 14:33, Matthew 26:39). Scripture: “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:37-39 Soul Care Tip: Listening to beautiful classical music heals our souls too. Innumerable studies show the incredible mental and physical benefits of listening to classical music Links + Resources from This Episode:Download the FREE Stress Less Lent Devotional with the Breathe Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

(This is Week #4 of Soul Care Lent Retreat!)Bonnie explores the stress of feeling stuck, facing uncertainty and you don’t know what to do and shows us how to restore calm during times we feel overwhelmed and return to a place of confidence when we face uncertainty. Learn how the power of focusing on God’s goodness frees your heart to take just the next step. Learn the Power of taking One Next Step to help you move forward.Lent Focus: Jesus is in the Praetorium, handed over to Barabbas. “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.” Matthew 27:26 Scripture: “See, I am doing something new. Now it springs forth. Will you not be aware of it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 Soul Care Tip: Enjoy aromatherapy of your favorite scent; Science shows that aromas powerfully affect our emotional well-being: lavender, orange, and peppermint helps signal to calm anxiety.Links + Resources from This Episode:Download the FREE Stress Less Lent Devotional with the Breathe Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bonnie explores how to fight inner critical voices when you feel burdened or feel stuck. Fight against loneliness that comes from self-reliance. Bonnie shares how critical thoughts hold a stronger grip with “avoidance anxiety,” but stress releases when we share the stress. Release the shame of emotional wounds we carry by turning those needs over to God and allowing others to help us carry our burdens. Learn three powerful practices to help you feel closer to God in prayer, help you feel closer to others, and return your body respond to calm and peace in week #3 of the Stress Less Lent Series.Lent Focus: Jesus steps on the Via Dolorosa. Someone helped Jesus carry the cross. “Simon Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.” luke 23:26 Scripture: Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs.”Ps. 84:5–6 Soul Care Tip: Light a candle for prayer, write a note, and have coffee with a friend. Research shows how these practices help your body and emotions heal with peace. Links + Resources from This Episode:Download the FREE Stress Less Lent Devotional with the Breathe Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bonnie explores what we can do when life feels hard and guides us to feel encouraged when we feel alone, face rejection or closed doors and it seems God is silent. Learn the power of “inviting rather than hiding” as Bonnie shares how Jesus himself used this practice when He faced his most anguished and troubled moments. Boost your resilience to stress when invite God and others into your situation when you face uncertainty and prayers feel unanswered. Week #2 of the Stress Less Lent Series.Learn two powerful practices to move your body out of the fight or flight stress response and learn why it works: Naming what is troubling you and Taking a Nap. Lent Focus: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsamane. “Then Jesus said, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here . . . with me.’ “ Matt. 26:38Scripture: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Is.43:1Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Name your troubles and hard struggles. Take a 30 minute nap. Research shows these practices are restorative, lowers cortisol, stress, and improves sleep.Download the FREE Stress Less Lent Devotional with the Breathe Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bonnie explores a scene in Jesus’s final hours - a scene when he washed the disciples’ feet and encourages us to be vulnerable with our need for healing. Learn the power of being present (rather than avoidance) with what breaks our heart with God, so we can receive the healing for our invisible wounds to be made whole. Week #1 of the Stress Less Lent Series. Lent Focus: Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. “Jesus loved them to the end.” John 13:1Scripture: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 34:18; 147:3Soul Care Tip: Color, sketch, or doodle for 10 minutes. Coloring elicits a relaxation and a meditation-like response by helping you focus on the moment, practice mindfulness, and temporarily push aside worries. Links + Resources from This Episode:Download the FREE Stress Less Lent Devotional with the Breathe Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For links to research, soul care tips & devos, sign up for the BREATHE Newsletter here.For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today we are kicking off the Stress Less 6-week Lent Soul Care Retreat to help you take better care of you and walk closer with Jesus to Easter together!Did you know that Lent means “spring” and you can use Lent as “springtime for your soul” to nurture your soul back to life? We all experience trauma of some sort when we’re under intense pressure. Bonnie shows you how to practice soul care and rest using this powerful 6-week Soul Care Retreat to celebrate Lent.Learn how you can use the rich spiritual season of Lent to practice good mental health and experience more of God’s peace and joy in your body and emotions. Learn 3 simple, powerful ways to nurture your soul that will improve your mental health and draw closer to God.Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness and that’s where he prayed. The place of rest in the wilderness is also a place of trail and testing. See how even in moments of trail and testing and difficulties there is refreshment. Jesus is with us in the wilderness.Water the soil of your heart with grace.Scripture: “Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” Luke 5:16 “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness.” Jeremiah 31:2Soul Care Tips: Take time to garden, place plants in your home, or simply journal 10 minutes. Research that shows these actions lower stress, depression, and anxiety.Links + Resources From This Episode:Download the FREE Stress Less Lent Devotional with the Breathe Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For links to research, soul care tips & devos, sign up for the BREATHE Newsletter here.For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bonnie guides you to refill your soul with agape love – God’s unconditional love for you. When stress overwhelms our emotions and body, we feel alone and discouraged.Bonnie discusses how restoring an emotionally deeper, loving relationship with God will help relieve stress and anxiety. Learn a meditation practice to improve your spiritual health, to feel God's loving presence and feel His nearness. Bonnie will share a simple practice that will help de-stress and bring God's comfort and love to your heart.Scripture: “You walked away from your first love… recover your dear early love.” Rev. 2:4-5Soul Care Tip: Buy yourself flowers this week. Buy Flowers for Yourself. Place them where you can enjoy them. May the flowers remind you how valuable you are to Jesus. Scientific Research: Behavioral research at Rutgers University found that simply looking at flowers improves emotional health. The presence of flowers triggered happy emotions. Links & Resources from this Episode:For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.